Santas start arriving at area malls this weekend

Halloween may be barely over but the malls are already decked out for Christmas.

And one sign that Christmas is soon its way is the arrival of Old Saint Nick which believe it or not is Friday at the Lehigh Valley Mall.

The big guy arrives at 6:30 p.m. on a fire truck at the mall's Outdoor Shops to oversee the lighting of the mall’s outdoor decorations. He’ll then head to his throne in the center of the mall, where he’ll meet fans and pose for photos until 8 p.m. All children will receive a free jingle bell bracelet.

On Sunday bring Fluffy and Fido to the mall for pet prortraits with Santa at Santa’s holiday tree in the Events Court. From 6 to 9 p.m. people with pets may enter via entrance A, between Barnes and Noble and Chick-fil-A. Prices vary.

After that the Santas arrive fast and furious starting the following week.

The man in red will arrive at South Mall in Salisbury Township at 10 a.m. Nov. 15 atop a Western Salisbury Township firetruck.

Also at 10 a.m. Nov. 15, Santa arrives aboard a Palmer Township firetruck at Palmer Park Mall and all children get a free gift.

The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley kick off Santa's arrival with a holiday open house from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 21. There is live music and kids get a free jingle bell. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 6 p.m. to help light the tree. Afterwards, Santa and his missus will be inside the Gazebo to meet families.

Santa will first be at the Sands Outlet Mall in Bethlehem noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 28 and the Westgate Mall in Bethlehe, 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6.

All Santas will be available for photos at various times through Christmas Eve.